Palmer, 29, was arrested and charged with stabbing Crick more than 20 times in Nike Park and stealing Crick's 1987 Toyota Corolla in April 1998.

Kim Roby, 33, of Hampton, was also charged with murder for Crick's death. A jury found Roby not guilty on March 25.

In his testimony at Roby's trial, Palmer admitted that he stabbed Crick repeatedly. He said Roby told him to stab the man and steal his car so she could get out of town.

But on Wednesday, Palmer again pleaded not guilty when he was re-arraigned on a charge of first-degree murder.

Roby said during her trial that she was high and didn't know what Palmer's plans were.

Palmer cooperated with the commonwealth and testified at the trial, Councill said. Councill said he and Palmer's attorney had discussed reducing the charge if Palmer testified. The reduction, he said, would give Palmer the opportunity to plead guilty to first-degree murder.

Capital murder is murder committed in addition to another crime such as robbery.

Even if Palmer had been convicted of capital murder, Councill said he didn't meet the standards to be given the death penalty.

In order to hand down a death sentence in Virginia, a person's crime must be considered vile or the convicted person must present a future danger to the community.

Palmer has no history of violent behavior beyond the stabbing.

Palmer can still receive two life sentences if found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery, Councill said.

The trial is scheduled to begin June 9.

Judith Malveaux can be reached at 247-4926 or 357-6392 or by e-mail at jmalveaux@dailypress.com